Líscia Divana Carvalho Silva* and Marli Villela Mamede
Objective: To understand the meaning attributed by menopausal women to coronary artery disease. Method: A descriptive and exploratory study of qualitative - quantitative approach, carried out between June and August 2013 in the cardiology service in north eastern Maranhão - Brazil. It was used the symbolic interactionism and the method of content analysis. In the quantitative phase, the data collection instrument was the Menopause Rating Scale with forty (40) women; from these 40 women, twenty five (25) took part in the qualitative phase. Results: The coronary artery disease is described as a serious and incurable manifestation of multifactorial nature, with intense symptoms, feelings and emotions (rapid heartbeat, palpitations, fatigue, pain, disability, dependence). Discussion: A change is revealed in their daily lives, what turns them into fragile, insecure women. A conflict between the desirable world and the real world, endowed with meaning and significance. Conclusion: Heart disease is responsible for the biggest changes in their lives, a threat to their physical and emotional integrity, placing them in the sick role.
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